A/N: For this a/n I've decided to do the Top 7 (Because I couldn't decide on just five or six for that matter) Songs for Code of Conduct, especially for those of you who have not listened to the playlist. As I've pointed out, music is a huge thing for me so I want you to understand this story. The tone, the characters, the actual story. Everything is affected by it. So drumroll here are the top seven songs of Code of Conduct:
7. Dying to Live Again by Hedley
6. Brick by Boring Brick by Paramore
5. Trip by Hedley
4. Right Here Waiting by Staind
3. Comedown by Bush
2. Set Fire to the Third Bar by Snow Patrol and Martha Wainwright
1. Running Up That Hill by Placebo
Comments? Thoughts?
Edward
It had become a regular occurrence over the past two weeks. Me spending the night with her. In her bed. Sneaking back out to my house before Charlie could catch wind. I woke up extra early in the morning to avoid a run in with Charlie. He already interrogated me about sleeping with his daughter; I didn't want him walking in on me in her bed. Not that anything happened, per se. Sure we kissed a little before she fell asleep, but nothing more than we'd done before. She eventually dozed off to sleep, her hand resting on my chest. I freaked out a little that first night when she pulled herself closer to me, but it felt right. She fit perfectly against my body. Her head sit flawlessly under my chin and I found myself wrapping my arms around her as she slept.
I never slept much, but tonight was a little worse than usual and I didn't know why. I sat awake, listening to Bella's slow breathing. At four, while it was still dark outside, I slipped carefully out of bed. I lifted her off me and gently placed her back in our spot, making sure to pull the covers up close around her. As I started to pull away she moaned and reached for me again.
"Where are you going?" She said, her voice still full of sleep.
"I don't want to get caught Bella." I leaned down and kissed her cheek.
"But I don't want you to go…" She grabbed my shirt and tried to pull me back down.
"I have to."
"Okay," she said, snuggling back into bed. I half-wondered if she was still asleep.
"I'll see you in a couple of hours okay? We'll go for our run." I kissed her again and slipped out the door.
I went back to my house and lay down on my bed, running my fingers through my hair. I thought it'd be hard, doing this, keeping it from Charlie. Not physically…mentally. But it was easy and I knew that was a bad thing. We still hadn't had the "talk" about what we were really. Sure we made each other laugh. And I was most happy when I was around her. And I really loved kissing her. And I definitely found her…attractive. But anything beyond that I had no idea. Or was that all there was? It was all so confusing and I had no idea how to remedy it. It wasn't awkward, it just kind of…was.
My alarm went off at quarter to five and I pulled myself off my bed to get dressed. Bella was waiting outside for me when I finished. She was smiling as she stretched her muscles, making sure to wink at me as I passed.
I bent down and started stretching my leg muscles. I snuck a look behind me and noticed her eyes fixed on me. I blushed a little, not because I was embarrassed of my body, but the way she looked at me. It was a perfect mix between animalistic and angelic. It did crazy things to a guy.
"Ready?" I said, straightening myself up.
"Yep." She smiled and we started off on our usual route. We never talked during our runs, I don't really know why. I guess it was kind of therapeutic for both of us. It was just nice to have someone there with you.
We slowed to a walk as the house came back in view. Bella slowed a little, falling behind and let out a soft laugh.
"What?" I said, turning around to face her.
"You know you're kind of cute when you're all hot and sweaty…" She slowly came to me and grabbed my hand, pulling me behind my house and out of view. She pushed me roughly up against the wall and pressed her lips against mine. I pulled away and craned my neck around the corner, making sure we didn't have an audience. When I was sure we were alone I allowed myself to kiss her back, my hands roaming up and down her back, settling tightly on her hips. I pulled them forcefully to mine and she whimpered a little.
"Are you excited about the party tonight?" She mumbled against my lips.
"I don't know. I'll probably have to work security or something."
It was the Fourth of July and every year Charlie had this extravagant party at his place. I know that given my past I should be all gung ho about celebrating our nation, but for some reason I had a bad feeling about tonight. Maybe that's why I couldn't sleep last night. It'll be my first Fourth of July since I've been back and I didn't really know how I was supposed to deal with it.
"Come on. It'll be fun." She wrapped her arms around my neck and rested her chin on my chest.
"Only because you'll be there," I whispered, bending down to kiss her again. "Boxing today?" I kinked an eyebrow.
"If you insist on me kicking your ass again." She laughed and started off towards the house. I'd like to say that it wasn't true, but honestly she was getting good. We'd been practicing almost every day and she was showing some amazing improvement. She even gave me a bruise on my arm last week, which wasn't too bad when she was kissing the hurt away later. Her aim still needed improvement, but she was starting to look like a boxer when she moved. She was graceful, elegant, which are words you wouldn't normally associate with boxing or Bella, but she was.
She immediately put her gloves on when we got inside and started at the punching bag. I sat down on the weight bench and started humming the "Eye of the Tiger." She stopped and turned towards me, her hands on her hips.
"Not. Funny."
"I think it's funny." I smiled as she sat down on the bench beside me.
"Do you really think I'm getting better at this whole thing?" She nodded towards the punching bag.
"Yes I do."
She looked down, almost looking embarrassed to be happy about it. But she couldn't hide her enormous smile.
"I told you you'd get better at it with practice Bella." I started to lean in and give her kiss, something I had to urge to do a lot lately, but I froze when I spotted some movement out of the corner of my eye. I cleared my throat a little while I came up with a cover. "You've got an…eyelash there." I quickly brushed away what wasn't really there and sat back.
"Have a good run this morning you two?" Charlie stepped into the room and leaned against the wall.
"Yeah it was good." Bella smiled and got up off the bench. She gave Charlie a kiss on the cheek and left the room. He stared at me for a long time after she left. Sometimes I wondered if he knew. But I felt like if he knew I'd be hearing about it. He definitely wasn't shy about asking if I was having sex with Bella.
"I wanted to talk about tonight Edward."
"Okay." I turned to face him and rested my hands on my knees.
"There's going to be a lot of people around the property tonight and I just want to discuss some security with you. I should have asked you earlier, but do you think your brother would be interested in working for me tonight?"
I was little surprised by his question but I kind of liked the idea. "I'm sure he would. I can call him."
"That'd be great. It's just that, well I know you haven't been here incredibly long, but I trust you Edward. I think you're doing a great job with Bella and I trust your judgment. And I assume you'd vouch for your brother?"
"Of course."
"Okay well make the call. Tell him I'll pay him and that he can bring a guest if you okay them. You two will be working the front entrance, basically checking to make sure people are on the list and checking them for anything we wouldn't want in here. Once everyone is here, you two are free to enjoy the party as long as you generally keep an eye on things, don't let anything get out of hand." He nodded and slowly inched towards the door. He paused and turned back. "Edward?"
"Yeah."
"I really meant what I said about you and Bella. I think you're good for her. Probably the best bodyguard she's had. I can see a change in her and I can only pray it'll be permanent once you're no longer needed."
I attempted a smile but those last few words stung and a sudden realization hit me. Bella wasn't going to need me forever. Hell probably not for much longer. She would be eighteen in a few months and with her independent attitude I can't imagine her wanting a bodyguard for much longer right? And I guess I wouldn't protest, if it was what she really wanted. I'd stay as long as she wanted me to. As long as it was good for her, I'd be here. Even if it would hurt me to leave her I would do it. And it was hard as hell to admit that it would be hard to leave her. This was supposed to be just a job, but clearly it was turning into something more.
I made my way back to my house and took a quick shower. I wrapped a towel around me and shook my hair as I stepped out. Out in the living room I heard the distinct ring of my phone and I darted out of the bathroom to get it.
"Just the person I needed to talk to…" I smiled.
"And you're just the person I needed to talk to. Hence why I called you."
"Good word Em."
"Thanks. Anyway, what are you doing tonight? Besides Bella."
"I will not be…doing Bella tonight."
"You guys still aren't doing the horizontal tango?"
"No Emmett."
"Well shit man. This is serious."
"No it's not," I stammered.
"Okay whatever. So what are you doing?"
"Actually that's what I wanted to talk to you about." I grabbed my dog tags from my desk and threw them over my neck. "Charlie's having this party….and he was wondering if you wanted to work security with me. He'd pay you and everything. You could even bring Rose if you want. As long as she's not a bitch to Bella."
"Getting paid to go to a party? I'm in. What time?"
"Well the party starts at eight so I'd say be here at seven just to be safe."
Two beeps in my ear signaled I'd received a text message. I pulled the phone away and smiled when I saw it was Bella.
Move just a little to the left.
I smiled and did as she said, positioning myself in front of the window. I laughed when I saw her up in hers, staring right at me. She nodded moved closer to the window, placing her hands on the glass. I was vaguely aware of Emmett rambling on about God knows what, but all of my attention was focused on her.
Another two beeps.
Drop the towel.
I smirked and shook my head.
You're going to regret that. She texted back, moving away from the window. I put the phone back up to my ear just in time to hear Emmett running through his clothing options for the evening.
"I'm sure that will look…" My voice trailed off as Bella stepped back in front of the window, her back facing me. Her bare, naked back. I gulped hard and tried to focus on what Emmett was saying, but I couldn't help the overwhelming reaction of my body at the sight of her.
"God Bella…" I whispered, my voice ragged.
"Huh?" Emmett said. "What the hell are you doing?....Ew Edward!"
"No Emmett, it's not…."
"Whatever. You go back to polishing the rocket and I'll see you tonight. And please don't ever talk to me while you're…doing that again. I know we're brothers, but its weird."
He hung up before I could explain myself. Great. When I looked up again Bella was gone, her mission accomplished. This girl definitely knew how to push my buttons…in a good way. As long as I wasn't talking to anyone.
I pulled a shirt on and started doing the buttons when the intercom went off.
"Edward?" Charlie's voice said.
I skipped over and pushed down the green button.
"Yeah."
"The people are here to set up for the party tonight. Would you mind helping them?"
"No not at all. Also Emmett accepted the job offer. I told him to be here at seven is that alright?"
"Perfect. Thank you. The vans should be up front."
"Alright." I finished buttoning my shirt, pulled some jeans on and headed outside. I followed the path up and around the house, spotting several white vans out in front. I smiled and nodded to some of the guys unloading what looked like tables and reached for one.
"Edward!"
I screamed and dropped the table back in the van. I spun around, relieved to see Alice.
"Alice. Nice to see you again. You scared the crap out of me."
"Sorry. Charlie told me you were here to help so I'm here to direct."
"Direct?"
"Well see Charlie doesn't have much of the party planning gene in him and Bella couldn't care less so he always lets me plan this for him."
"I see. So…what should I do?"
"Oh you can help them unload the tables, I was just excited to see you."
I couldn't hold in my laughter. This one was quite the character.
"Alright. Well just let me know when you need me Little One."
"Will do."
"Bella!" She screamed. I turned and saw Bella stalking grumpily down the stairs, her arms crossed in front of her. She was so cute when she was angry.
"Alice. I already told you I don't do party planning. And I don't get excited about napkins, or place cards, or fucking ice sculptures."
"Language!" Charlie scolded from somewhere inside.
Bella stepped outside into the sunlight and I noticed her hair was damp, probably from taking a shower. She smiled slightly when she saw me and then went back to terrorizing Alice.
"Do I really have to help?"
"Yes you do. Because I'm your best friend and you love me. You don't even have to think you just have to help set up. Just do what I tell you."
"Story of my life," Bella sighed and started towards the second truck, which looked like it was full of flowers.
"Okay people! All the tables go in the backyard on the patio! Just set them far enough apart and we'll move as necessary!"
Another van pulled up and Alice scrambled away to "direct" them. I picked up a table and started towards the back. There were already a few set up so I just put it a few feet away and went to get another one.
It took us almost an hour to get the tables out back and another hour for Alice to tell us exactly where she wanted them. Next we loaded out the chairs, eight to each table, spaced exactly a foot apart. There was an extremely long table situated up by the house, which I assumed was going to be for the food. Alice was spreading a tablecloth across it as a few guys carrying a fucking ice sculpture approached her. She clapped her hands and pointed for them to set it towards the end.
We finished spreading the white table clothes over the rest of the tables. I was just about to make a swift exit when Alice cornered me and pulled me back towards the tables.
"We need to do the centerpieces," she said.
"What's a centerpiece?"
I heard Bella snicker behind me. She was working on something….I had no idea what it was, but it looked complicated.
"Just watch and learn. You too guys!" She motioned to the other guys setting up tables. Their eyes widened for a moment before they realized they were not getting out of this. We all huddled around Alice as she showed us the demonstration.
"Mirror goes in the center. Grab some flowers…" She hurried over to the table of red and white flowers, grabbed some, and ran back. "Flowers go in the middle of the mirror. Then take some blue ribbon and wrap it around like so." She did as she said, evening it out. "And then tie a bow."
"I can't tie bows," one of the men said.
"Me neither."
"Yes you can boys. Just try. Everyone can tie a bow. It's just like tying your shoes."
They all looked down at their slip on shoes and shrugged.
"Then take out some of this sparkly confetti and sprinkle like so. Then three candles on each mirror. Got it?" She looked up and smiled.
"Sure," we all said, looking really confused.
It took me five times to tie the bow right on my first centerpiece, but it looked like I was doing better than the rest. I think I ended up doing most of them because they couldn't even get past the first few steps.
"No, no Roger," I said, correcting him on his bow. "Bunny ears first, then wrap around."
"Thanks Edward."
When I finished I was completely covered in sparkles and was due for another shower. The whole thing was really coming together. The caterers were starting to set up the things for the food and I noticed a band setting up in the corner. I glanced at my watch and realized it was already after six. It'd taken us the whole day and Emmett was going to be here in less than an hour.
"Do you need me anymore Party Goddess?" I shouted to Alice.
"No Edward you are free to go. And wear the white button up!"
"Yes ma'am."
I laughed and headed back to my house and took another quick shower. My shower looked like it'd been bedazzled by the time I was finished.
I wore the white button up, just like Alice had instructed and pulled on a pair of khaki dress pants just as someone knocked on my door.
"They told me I'd find you back here," Emmett said, stepping through my door. "Nice pad man. You really got hooked up here."
"Yeah I guess I did." I sprayed some of my cologne and popped a piece of gum.
"So where's the lady?"
"I wouldn't know," I said, trying to act casual.
"Right," he eyed me.
There was another knock on the door and Emmett pulled it open. I was a little surprised to see Charlie standing behind it.
"Hello I'm Charlie," he introduced himself to Emmett. "You must be Edward's brother, it's nice to meet you."
Charlie was dressed up more than I'd ever seen him. He wore a nice jacket and it looks like he made the effort to shave today. Impressive.
"The guests should be arriving in about a half hour. Edward if you could give Emmett a quick tour of the property and the house." He handed me a couple of clipboards. "These have the name of every guest. If they're not on the list, they don't get in. No exceptions. If anyone looks suspicious, give them a pat down. There are also some metal detectors in the closet underneath the stairs of the main house. Take them with you as well. I know this all probably seems a little extreme considering these people are supposed to be my friends but…" He looked directly at me and I understood why we had to be careful. He nodded and left.
"Well show me around little bro." Emmett slung his arm around my shoulder and we started out.
I gave him a brief description of the property before we started up towards the house. I showed him around the downstairs and was about to go back outside, but I was distracted by the loud laughter coming from the second floor. I could hear Bella and Alice…and another voice I recognized.
"You left Rose with Bella?" I yelled. "What the hell were you thinking? You saw how she treated her at the benefit."
"Relax. I ran into some little brunette on the way in…Alice I think? And she offered to entertain Rose while I did my duties. Chill man, I'm sure everything's fine."
I glanced back up at Bella's door and hoped that the laughter was a good sign. I wanted tonight to go perfect for her. I could tell she was excited about it.
We started out to the main entrance, just at the beginning of the driveway. I saw two other men dressed in black at the gate, leaning in and checking each car for people. Probably just to get a feel in case something was off.
The first guests arrived and we started checking off everyone's name. Emmett fit pretty well into his role, which I knew he would. He's always good at adapting to things like this. We were fairly busy for a while, completely backed up. But thankfully there were no problems. As the sun started to set the line thinned. Only a few stray cars trickled inside. The improvised parking lot on the front lawn was getting pretty full. I turned my head back towards the house and looked for Bella, but I couldn't see her. Most of the people were around back now anyway. I heard someone approach but I didn't turn.
"Name?" I asked.
"Black."
I spun around and was met with Jacob's smiling face. A man in a wheelchair sat next to him. I grimaced and scanned my list. There they were. Jacob and Billy Black. That must be his father. In all honesty I was a little surprised Charlie invited them after the whole debacle with Bella.
"Go on in," I said, wishing I could have told him to go to hell.
"Thank you." He pushed his father towards the house.
"Is that going to be a problem for you?" Emmett leaned over.
"I haven't decided yet."
Bella
Alice and I sat up in my room, slowly but surely getting ready for the party. I'd finally been able to pull her away from the decorating; assuring her that everything would turn out fine without her.
"So B. Any developments with Edward?"
I smiled without even realizing I was doing it. My fingers ran absentmindedly through my closet, trying to figure out what to wear. It was definitely not a jeans occasion, but not prom either. A nice cocktail dress would probably due. I pulled out my favorite red dress that I'd bought for myself as a Christmas and laid it on the bed.
"Not really."
"So what….nothing's happened at all?"
"I wouldn't say that." I pulled my hair up and held it on top of my head, trying to figure out what to do with it.
"Eek!" Alice screamed, looking out the window. "They're doing it wrong!" She stomped out of the room. I was actually surprised I'd been able to keep her away for this long. I sighed and sat down at the window, waiting for her to reappear. She came out of the house, finger pointing, screaming at the set up guys. I felt so bad for them. But if something wasn't exactly like Alice wanted she was going to tell you. My eyes drifted over to Edward's house, wishing I could see him. I was definitely still in that whole crush phase with him. The butterflies in my stomach signaled that. And it was annoying as fuck.
"Alice!" I yelled out the window. "Get back up here or I'll have to physically drag you!"
"Just give me a minute will you?!" She snapped, turning around to face me with her hands on her hips.
I laughed a little to myself and stepped back from the window, going to my closet to pick out my shoes jewelry. I heard the front door open and a few voices. One was my dad. One was Alice. The other two sounded vaguely familiar but I couldn't place them. I spun around and plugged my curling iron in as I heard Alice starting up the stairs.
"Thank you for taking me in…" A soft voice said. Alice opened the door and stepped in, Rosalie following close behind her.
I stiffened in my chair and turned around. "What are you doing here?"
"Emmett's helping Edward with security and Alice offered to keep me company until they were done." She sat herself down on the edge of my bed like we were best friends and glanced over at my dress. "That's cute."
"Yeah I told her she could help us get ready!" Alice smiled. Traitor. In all fairness she didn't know how bitchy Rosalie and Tanya were to me so she was forgiven slightly. But out of all the people I wouldn't want to step through my door, Rosalie was in the top five.
Alice pulled her shirt off, not shy about anything and reached for her navy blue dress that was hanging on my closet door.
"Can you zip me Bella?"
I eyed Rosalie one more time before going to help Alice. I sat back down and attempted to curl my hair a little. I could feel Rosalie's eyes on me the entire time. Alice was just chatting away like she couldn't feel the tension in the room.
After I curled one strand of hair for the fifth time with no luck I threw down the iron and almost gave up. I was not someone who did their hair everyday, especially this nice. I mean I had to call Alice the day of the benefit to ask her how to use hot rollers. I was surprised they actually turned out. But Alice had insisted that I be semi dressy tonight. And like I said if something isn't how Alice wants it, she'll tell you.
"Alice I can't do this," I muttered, appraising myself in the mirror.
"Don't be silly. I'll help you." She skipped over and started working on me. All I could do was sit. And sit. And sit. It took her forever. She was almost done with the back when a large crash came from the backyard. She dropped the curling iron right on the floor and ran to the window.
"No!" She shrieked. I swear she got so anxious over things I was surprised she didn't already have high blood pressure. "Not the ice sculpture! Ugh!" She ran out of the room.
"Alice wait! You have to finish my hair!" I know I wasn't too particular about my looks, but I wasn't going to a party with half curled hair.
"I can do it," Rosalie said softly, getting up and coming to stand beside me. She grabbed the curling iron and starting working without another word. I was a little stunned, but I guess it was nice of her.
"I know you think I'm a heinous bitch. And I know Tanya is a heinous bitch. Sometimes I even wonder why I'm friends with her." She laughed under her breath as her fingers moved through my hair. "But I'm not as bad as you think I am. I'm just very protective over Edward."
"Why?"
"He's like a brother to me Bella. Emmett and I have been together for a long time and I practically grew up with their family." She finished my hair and set the iron down on the desk.
I swallowed hard and got up, picking my dress off the bed and slipping it off the hanger. I glanced quickly at Rosalie before I slipped my shirt over my head, facing the wall, and pulled the dress on. She came up quickly behind me and zipped it up.
"Just be careful okay? He's more fragile than he looks."
I spun around to ask her what she meant but Alice burst back into the room almost on the brink of tears. "They dropped the ice sculpture! They. Dropped it. It was supposed to be this beautiful Greek God statue and now he's missing an arm!"
Rosalie and I smiled at each other, trying to hold in our laughter. I guess she wasn't so bad really. It was a pleasant surprise and I was relieved I wouldn't have to beat her ass one day.
"Alice. Breathe." I grabbed her by the shoulders and tried to calm her down. She looked like she was about to collapse from lack of oxygen. "Rosalie…umm…get her phone. It's in her purse. Get Jasper on the phone please."
Alice was mumbling to herself as Rosalie dug around in her purse. She pulled it out eventually and scanned through her contacts. As soon as she hit send I grabbed the phone and waited for him to answer.
"Hello?"
"Jazz it's Bella. Listen when are you going to be here?" I tried to hide the panic in my voice.
"Just pulling in. What's going on?"
"Uh…" I looked over at Alice. "We've got a slight problem…."
"What is it? Is Al okay?"
"The Greek God took a tumble."
"Shit…" He whispered. "I'll be right there."
Rosalie and I sat on the bed, on either side of her, trying to calm her down. Jasper walked in five minutes later and instantly bent down in front of her.
"Baby?" He took her face in his hands.
"Jazz it's ruined!" For the first time she actually started crying. Up until this point it'd just been hyperventilating and mumblings.
"Sweetie it's not ruined." He leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. "It looks beautiful."
"Really?" She sniffled. She seemed to calm a little under his touch, but was still on the verge of hysterical.
"Yes really." He leaned in and whispered something in her ear and she actually cracked a smile. Alice nodded her head slightly and Jasper turned to me. "Can we borrow your extra bedroom?"
"Ew."
Alice's eyes started to fill with tears again.
"Okay okay fine! But wash the sheets!" I threw my arms up in defeat as Jasper carted Alice off to the other room to do God knows what. I know stuff like that calms people down but I don't need to know about it.
The music started playing down below and I took that as our cue to make our appearance.
"Let's go skank," Rosalie said, starting out the door.
"Whore," I snickered.
We made our way downstairs, leaving Alice and Jasper to their therapy session. The patio was filled with people. And Jasper wasn't lying. It really did look beautiful. The white paper light globes I'd been assembling earlier littered the sky, strung up by almost invisible fishing line. It looked almost magical. I scanned the crowd for Edward or Emmett but I couldn't find them. They must not be done yet.
After trying, very unsuccessfully, to get a drink from the bar Rosalie and I sat at a table by ourselves watching everyone around us. I sipped on my soda, letting my eyes wander. Rosalie set her purse under the table and pulled out a flash, quickly pouring some liquid fun into both of our drinks.
"I knew I liked you," I said, winking at her. Rosalie smiled and her eyes drifted behind me.
"Can I talk to you?"
I turned around and my smile fell.
"I don't think I want to hear what you have to say Jacob." I turned back to Rosalie and tried to ignore him.
"Please Bella."
I sighed and contemplated for a moment before realizing he wouldn't leave me alone if I said no. "Fine. Excuse me Rosalie."
I stood up and followed Jacob off the patio, just under the big tree in our backyard.
"Okay talk." I crossed my arms and focused my eyes on the dance floor, where Alice and Jasper had finally graced us with their presence. She looked like the perfect image of calm as he twirled her around the dance floor. Lucky bitch.
"Okay. I wanted to…apologize for what I said at the party."
"And what exactly was that?" I glared at him and took a step forward.
He looked down and shuffled his feet nervously. "I called you something I shouldn't have and I really regret it."
I looked at him a good long moment before relaxing a little. "Okay fine I forgive you. But that doesn't mean its okay or that I like you right now. I'm not a whore."
"I don't think you're a whore," he said softly. He put his hands in his pockets and looked up at the sky. "So are you like…going out with him or something?" He smiled.
I can't believe he had the nerve to ask me something like that. We were not back to the good friends who talk about things stage. Not yet. "None of your damn business!" I yelled. "Go away you're annoying me."
He turned around laughing and made his way back to the dance floor, leaving me alone under the tree. I snuck a look back and was surprised to see Emmett sitting beside Rosalie at the table.
I felt that familiar rush as I looked through the crowd frantically. He was here. But where was he? Not at the tables. Not at the bar. Not on the dance floor. Maybe he had to stay behind and do something else. I sighed and turned back to the darkness. The fireworks should be starting soon.
"I'm over here…" his voice called from the other side of the tree. It was completely draped in shadows; so dark I couldn't even see him.
I smiled and reached my arms out, taking a few steps towards his voice. I shuddered as his fingers touched mine and pulled me to him. He snaked his arm around my waist and started twirling me around to the soft, distant music.
"I was wondering when you were going to show up." I could barely make out the outline of his face.
"I got to you as soon as I could Miss Swan," he smiled and bent down to press his lips to mine. He twirled me around a few more times and I rested my head softly on his chest. "Was that Jacob I saw you talking to?"
"Not really. He was mostly talking to me."
"And what did he say?" He stopped us and brought his finger under my chin, gently lifting my eyes to his. There was just the faintest glint of light hitting his eyes.
"He said he was sorry for what he said." I cleared my throat, hoping he wouldn't ask anymore.
"Good."
"Good?" I laughed. "I thought you hated him."
"I don't hate him Bella. He just makes me…anxious. Especially around you."
"Why?"
He let go of me and leaned back against the trunk of the tree. "I dunno."
"Liar." I stepped forward and tugged at his shirt. "Come on what is it?"
He shrugged. It hit me then. I knew why. And it was completely ridiculous.
"You're not jealous are you?" I kinked an eyebrow.
He stayed silent.
"Oh come on Edward. That's so…"
"Is it? I know that just friends thing with him is bullshit."
I reached up and traced my finger down his jaw. "It was. But it's not anymore." I forced him to look at me. "I'm crazy about you, can't you see that?" I hesitantly leaned forward and brushed my lips against his. It took him a moment before he started kissing me back but once he did it was pure ecstasy.
He whipped me around and pressed me up against the tree. The sharp bark was piercing and scratching my back but I honestly didn't care. His mouth moved frantically against mine, almost like we'd be ripped apart at any moment. I grabbed at his shirt and pulled him closer to me, pressing his warm body against mine. His lips left mine and moved quickly down my neck and shoulder, his finger delicately slipping the strap of my dress down. He traced down my arm, and lingered on my hip before resting his hand on my thigh. A small growl escaped his lips as he yanked it up, hitching it at his hip and pressing his body closer. I reached down and started guiding his hand up. It slipped under the hem of my dress and he instantly stopped kissing me. He pulled his face back, a questioning look in his eye. I pulled his hand up farther, brushing against the fabric of my underwear. He slipped his finger between the hem and my skin, right at my hip and my eyes closed as my head fell back at the feeling. But then he stopped.
"What's wrong?" I said, opening my eyes again. He was staring off into the distance, a hard look on his face.
"I don't think this is a good idea." He said, his teeth clenched with restraint.
"Why not?"
"Because I don't know if I could stop." He turned his face back to me and I saw the sheer lust in his eyes. It was so overwhelming I felt my knees wobble a little.
"What if I don't want you to stop?" I whispered.
He clenched his eyes tight and shook his head, removing his hand from under my dress.
"Bella you can't say stuff like that to me…" He stepped back. "We can't…do that."
I nodded in understanding, no matter how much I wanted to argue with him. I knew why he was so conflicted. That line we'd crossed before would be completely blown out of the water by this. And maybe he was right. We weren't ready. But that doesn't mean I didn't think about it. A lot. Especially when he was kissing me.
A loud boom made both of us jump as the sky lit up with gold. Edward's eyes were wide with panic.
"Come on," I smiled and grabbed his hand, turning us around. "Let's watch the fireworks."
The second one went off sending splashes of red and blue across the darkness. Edward's hand tensed around mine.
The third was a series of small pops. White ones. Almost looked like a sparkling willow tree. I could actually feel Edward's heavy breathing beside me.
I finally turned my eyes away from the show to look at him. His eyes were straight ahead, but not here. Somewhere else. There were visible beads of sweat rolling down the side of his face and with each boom his hand tightened around mine. So much so that it was starting to hurt.
"Edward?"
"I have to go," he said quickly, releasing my hand and disappearing back towards his house.
I stood in shock, my hand still outstretched. What just happened? I glanced back at the dance floor to see if anyone else had noticed. Thankfully all their eyes were on the sky. Charlie was moving along the back of the crowd, a beer in his hand.
"Where's my Bella?" He said laughing.
I quickly straightened my dress out and rejoined the crowd.
"There she is!" He yelled, coming to me and throwing an arm around my shoulder. "What the hell were you doing out there?" He nodded to the dark shadows I'd just emerged from.
"Just uh…taking a little break." I faked a smile, but my head was reeling in questions. And all I wanted to do was find Edward.
"Happy Fourth of July honey." He kissed the top of my head.
"Happy Fourth of July Dad."
"Where's Edward?"
"He…he wasn't feeling well. I told him to go lie down."
"Oh." His face hardened a little. "Well I guess that's good then. Everything seems to be in order here anyway."
"I'm going to go find Alice," I smiled again and started pushing frantically through the crowd towards Edward's house.
"Alice cover for me!" I yelled to her as I passed, not even bothering to take my eyes off my destination. I broke into a run as soon as I made it through the people, practically running straight into his door.
I froze as soon as I saw him. He was sitting on his bed, his knees up to his chest and his head buried. I didn't say a word as I went to join him. I pulled off my shoes and sat down to face him. When he finally looked up at me I could see the glistening on his cheeks left over from his tears.
Before I could ask him what was wrong he flung himself forward and collapsed onto my lap, desperately clinging to my waist as he sobbed. I didn't know what to do. So I just ran my fingers through his hair and waited it out.
I'd lost track of time. I don't know how long he cried. Or long it'd been since he stopped. But he did and began tracing small circles on my exposed knee.
"Where are you at baby?" I bent down and kissed the topped of his head.
"I need to tell you something…" He said softly.
"Okay."
He slowly sat up and leaned back against the headboard. "It's about where I was before…"
I scooted closer and listened.
"Bella I was in the war. I'm…I'm a soldier in the army."
I don't know what I was expecting him to say, but it wasn't that. Suddenly everything made sense. Why he didn't want to talk about it. The "accident" with his friends. And finally the reason why he was terrified of the fireworks. They sounded like bombs going off. I was realizing what Rosalie meant by fragile and it broke my heart to even think of him being in that kind of environment, or of someone wanting to intentionally hurt him. Kill him. I felt my chest tighten at the thought.
I slowly crawled to him and laid my head on his chest just to listen to his heartbeat. I knew that he was okay. I mean he was here, right now, with me. But I had to hear it. I had no idea why, but it felt like my whole world centered on that soft thump. I turned my head and kissed his chest as he ran his fingers through my hair.
"Come on let's go to bed." He mechanically reached beside me and pulled the covers back. I slid inside and went back to his chest as soon as he was too. I was going to listen to his heartbeat for the rest of the night. Whether I was ready to admit it or not, it was the most important thing in my life right now.
A/N: So I know it was hinted at, but who else is relieved that Edward finally revealed his secret to Bella? Woohoo! Secondly, a huge shoutout thank you to all the soldiers all over the world because you deserve it. Lastly I'm posing a review challenge to you all. Let's see how many we can get. So that means if you've never reviewed before just click the little review button, it's easy as pie. You know you want to. I know you all wouldn't want to disappoint right? You never do. XOXO
